It’s Not Wrong … But Is It Right?

What if the things you feel free to do are quietly leading someone else away from doing what’s right? What should you do?

I was reading this verse this morning and it made me stop: “Do not allow what you think is good to become what others say is evil.” (Romans 14:16 NCV)

I think this verse is about more than just your personal freedom, it’s about your influence. And you and I influence more people than we think.

The Apostle Paul was speaking to Christians who were arguing over things like eating certain foods or observing holy days. Some felt free to do those things, others felt it was wrong.

This applies directly to us today. You might feel totally fine watching an R-rated movie, having a glass of wine, or even saying a mild cuss word, not using God’s name in vain, but still rougher language.

And maybe for you, in your heart, that’s not sin. But here’s the question: “Could it cause someone else to stumble?”

Let me give you some examples:

A younger believer sees you drinking and thinks, “If they can do it, I can too,” and it leads them back into addiction?

A teenager or your children hears your language and thinks, “I guess it’s fine to speak like that,” but they take it further into crude or hateful speech?

A new believer watches the show you recommended and is exposed to lust, violence, or ungodliness they aren’t strong enough to filter yet?

So here’s the deal. What you thought was “good” might become harmful, even sinful, because of what it led someone else to do.

Paul isn’t saying you have to live for others’ approval. He’s saying that real love is more concerned with people than with personal freedom.

Paul once told the Corinthians: “But be careful that your freedom does not cause those who are weak in faith to fall into sin.” (1 Corinthians 8:9 NCV)

“We must not do things that will make others fall into sin… All these things should help other people become stronger Christians.” (Romans 15:1–2 NCV)

“If anyone causes even one of these little children who believe in me to sin, then it would be better for him to have a big stone tied around his neck and be drowned in the deep sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NCV)

I think those are pretty clear. The question is: How serious will you and I take these warnings?

I know it’s a worn out question, but we should ask: “What would Jesus do? How does God want us to live?”

Would He laugh at that show? Would He keep sipping wine until His speech was slurred? Would He speak words that confused or misled someone younger in the faith?

We all already know that Jesus lived holy, clean, and wasn’t careless. He was loving, had the interest of others first - not just living free.

So practically, Is it right to watch movies filled with foul language and sexual scenes, just because “everyone else does”?

Is it wise to drink alcohol until your judgment is clouded, even if you’re not technically drunk?

Is it Godly to use language that might offend the very people you’re trying to lead toward Jesus? Or maybe we should ask: “Are we trying to lead people to Jesus?”

Your freedom isn’t just about you or me. It’s about how our choices affect others.

So before you and I speak, post, sip, stream, or act - ask: “Will this help someone grow closer to Jesus, or make them think less of Him?” By the way, this includes how you are influencing your spouse, and your boy or girl friend. Not just children.

“Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.” (Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬ ‭NCV‬‬)

Because sometimes love means laying down your rights, for the good of someone else. It’s harder than it sounds - just think about it …

GOD, I can’t believe how wired I am to want to do what’s “I” want to do - not what you want to do. Help me, and help anyone else that’s tempted to just not care. We can get lazy in this area. Holy Spirit - please help us. IJNIP amen ♥️